In the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, a valley where history and winemaking walk hand in hand, one wine stands apart not only for its stature and elegance, but also for the remarkable story behind its name: Lanzerac’s Lé General. Named in honour of French General Charles Lanrezac, Lé General is more than a premium red blend. It is a tribute to leadership, resilience, and the courage to challenge convention, qualities that define both the man and the wine.
Born in 1852, Charles Lanrezac rose through the ranks of the French military during a period of enormous political and social change in Europe. By the outbreak of World War I, Lanrezac commanded the French Fifth Army, placing him at the centre of one of history’s most pivotal moments.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Lanrezac was known for his analytical thinking and cautious strategic mind. As German forces advanced through Belgium in 1914, he recognised early that the French military’s aggressive attack plans could leave them dangerously exposed. While others pushed forward, Lanrezac advocated for retreat and repositioning, decisions that were profoundly unpopular at the time.
History would, however, prove him right. His calculated withdrawal during the early days of the war helped preserve French forces and played a crucial role in setting the stage for the eventual Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne. Though initially criticised and removed from command, Lanrezac was later acknowledged as one of the few commanders who truly understood the scale of the threat unfolding before him.
Today, he is remembered not as a man who avoided battle, but as one who understood that leadership requires patience, foresight, and the willingness to stand apart.
Lanzerac’s Lé General reflects those same qualities in liquid form.
Crafted as Lanzerac’s flagship red blend, the wine is bold yet refined. A powerful wine without sacrificing elegance. Much like its namesake, it balances strength with restraint, delivering depth, complexity, and structure while remaining composed and sophisticated.
Each vintage expresses the character of Jonkershoek terroir, where warm days, cool mountain evenings, and rich soils create wines with both intensity and finesse.
The 2022 vintage layers dark fruit, spice, cedar, and finely integrated oak, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot together in a wine designed not merely for immediate enjoyment, but for contemplation and ageing. It is a bottle that rewards patience, a fitting parallel to the General.
